UK-based firms are exporting renewable energy technologies to 43 countries, a study by trade body RenewableUK revealed.
In 2016, a sample of 36 firms signed more than 500 contracts to work on renewable energy projects on six continents. The contracts ranged in value from £50,000 to £30m.
Wave and tidal testing centres off Cornwall and Orkney are highlighted in the report as the destinations of choice for global companies testing devices in real sea conditions.
Knowledge is also being exported, with consultancies winning contracts to plan and oversee the development of wind farms and other renewable energy projects in dozens of countries, including the US, China, India, Chile, Japan and Indonesia.
This is the first time the sector has assessed the extent of Britain’s global reach in these technologies, and the range of products and services sold overseas.
The number of companies exporting and the number of contracts signed are underestimates because the sample represents less than 10% of RenewableUK’s membership, the body noted.
UK-based wind, wave and tidal energy companies are well placed to benefit from the $290bn global market for renewable energy, trading with countries inside and outside the EU, the organisation said.
RenewableUK’s executive director, Emma Pinchbeck, said: ‘Britain must secure its position as a leading exporter in tomorrow’s global energy market.’